Rikaku-an Teahouse, Jakko-in Temple
Separated from its garden by a bamboo fence and a carefully tended hedge, Rikaku-an teahouse occupies a small area in the northwest corner of the temple’s grounds. Named after Rikaku-in Temple, which once stood on this site, it was constructed at the request of a Jikko-in chief priest. Craftsmen used timber from the surrounding hills, including Japanese cypress, which serves as the main pillar of the teahouse.
The entrance is small, designed to ensure that guests bow as they enter and that samurai leave their swords outside. In keeping with the temple’s rural location, there is also a hook on the exterior for gardening or farming implements.
Inside, the floor is covered in tatami mats, except for a small section serving as the hearth. A scroll hangs in the alcove (tokonoma) above a flower arrangement. Both are changed according to the season.
The development of the Way of Tea (chanoyu or sado) was heavily influenced by Zen Buddhism. It is recognized as one of the three classical forms of Japanese artistic refinement, alongside incense appreciation and flower arrangement.
The teahouse is used several times a year for formal tea events, though these are privately organized and not open to the general public.